While GCOOS is a data-driven organization, our mission also includes developing tools that help support a more ocean-literate society. To that end, GCOOS educators have developed a series of lesson plans for students based on national science standards.
Our most recent project, conducted in partnership with Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) and the Marine Biodiversity Observing Network (MBON) and U.S. IOOS, focuses on animal tracking and the data stewardship that goes along with it.
“Ocean Animals on the Move: Using Technology to Track Marine Life and Understand Environmental Change” includes three lessons for students in grades 8-12. The goal is to understand the purpose and process of animal tracking and the data stewardship practices needed to apply the information to real-world challenges.
This ESIP FUNding Friday Collaboration was developed by Dr. Chris Simoniello, GCOOS Outreach & Education Manager; Mitch Rider, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Miami; Lori Anzalone, Anzalone & Avarella Studios; Mathew Biddle, U.S. IOOS; Felimon Gayanilo, GCOOS Co-Data Manager and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Grant Craig, GCOOS Volunteer Coordinator.
Lesson 3
Using Passive Acoustic Telemetry to study the movement ecology of bull sharks
Other Lesson Plans for Educators and Homeschoolers
Grades 5-8
Coral Reefs: Assessing the Health of Coral Reefs PDF
Climatology: Climate versus Weather PDF
Oceanography: Ocean in Motion PDF
PowerPoint
Estuarine Ecology: Quantifying (Measuring) Healthy Ecosystems PDF
Grades 3-5
Nutrients: How’s the Water? PDF
Ecology: Invasive Species PDF
Life Sciences: What is a Dichotomous Key? PDF
Marine Biology: Sea Turtle Life Cycle PDF
Grades 1-4
Biology/Zoology: Measuring Whales and Graphing Results PDF
Grades 1-3
Marine Biology: Life in the Twilight Zone PDF
Grades 1-2
Molecular: Atoms and Water Molecules PDF
Grades K-2
Life Science/Biology: Taxonomy and Classification PDF
Additional Tools and Information
Citizen Science
Invasive Species
